Releasable Valved Coupler

ABSTRACT

A releasable valved coupler and a method of producing and using such a coupler including a coupler body having a first valve element and a coupler insert having a second valve element, wherein a first valve tip of the first valve element can engage a second valve tip of the second valve element upon insertion of the coupler insert inside of a tubular chamber of the coupler body, whereby the first valve element disengages a first valve seat and the second valve element disengages a second valve seat to open a flow path through the coupler. By moving the coupler body and the coupler insert in outward opposed axial directions, the first and second valve tips can disengage, correspondingly engaging the first valve element with the first valve seat and engaging the second valve element with the second valve seat to close the flow path through the coupler.

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No.29/486,449, filed Mar. 28, 2014, hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional medical access devices employed for fluid infusion,including intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, or the like, may beunintentionally disengaged from either a fluid reservoir or a user. Forexample, an ambulatory user may inadvertently catch the fluid line on anobject, disrupting the conventional medical access device andpotentially causing damage to the fluid reservoir or trauma to the bloodvessel or organ receiving the fluid infusion. Accordingly, a need existsfor a coupler which can releasably couple a fluid line to a user.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a coupler comprising a coupler body including a coupler bodytubular internal surface which communicates between a coupler body firstopen end and a coupler body second open end, the coupler body tubularinternal surface proximate the coupler body first open end defines afirst valve guide coupled to a first valve seat having a first valveport, the first valve port communicating with a tubular chamber disposedproximate the coupler body second open end, a first valve element havinga first valve body coupled to a first valve tip, the first valve elementmovable in the first valve guide to sealably engage the first valve seatin a closed position with the first valve tip extending through thefirst valve port a distance into the tubular chamber, a first valveactuator disposed adjacent the first valve element to facilitatemovement of the first valve element toward the closed position, and afirst tubular member coupled to a first tubular plug, the first tubularplug coupled to the first valve guide adjacent the first valve actuator,the first tubular member having a first tubular member external surfaceconfigured to join a first conduit; and a coupler insert including acoupler insert external surface configured to insert inside of thetubular chamber, a coupler insert tubular internal surface whichcommunicates between a coupler insert first open end and a couplerinsert second open end, the coupler insert tubular internal surfacedefining a second valve guide coupled to a second valve seat having asecond valve port, the second valve port aligned with the first valveport upon insertion of the coupler insert inside of the tubular chamber,a second valve element having a second valve body coupled to a secondvalve tip, the second valve element movable in the second valve guide tosealably engage the second valve seat in a closed position with thesecond valve tip extending through the second valve port, a second valveactuator disposed adjacent the second valve element to facilitatemovement of the second valve element toward the closed position, and asecond tubular member coupled to a second tubular plug, the secondtubular plug coupled to the second valve guide adjacent the second valveactuator, the second tubular member having a second tubular memberexternal surface configured to join a second conduit; wherein the firstvalve tip engages the second valve tip upon insertion of the couplerinsert inside of the tubular chamber, whereby the first valve elementdisengages the first valve seat and the second valve element disengagesthe second valve seat to open a flow path through the coupler.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a method of producing a coupler, the method comprisingproviding a coupler body including a coupler body tubular internalsurface which communicates between a coupler body first open end and acoupler body second open end, the coupler body tubular internal surfaceproximate the coupler body first open end defines a first valve guidecoupled to a first valve seat having a first valve port, the first valveport communicating with a tubular chamber disposed proximate the couplerbody second open end; coupling a first valve element to the first valveguide, the first valve element having a first valve body coupled to afirst valve tip, the first valve element movable in the first valveguide to sealably engage the first valve seat in a closed position withthe first valve tip extending through the first valve port a distanceinto the tubular chamber; disposing a first valve actuator adjacent thefirst valve element to facilitate movement of the first valve elementtoward the closed position; coupling a first tubular plug to the firstvalve guide adjacent the first valve actuator; coupling a first tubularmember to the first tubular plug, the first tubular member having afirst tubular member external surface configured to join a firstconduit; providing a coupler insert including a coupler insert externalsurface configured to insert inside of the tubular chamber and a couplerinsert tubular internal surface which communicates between a couplerinsert first open end and a coupler insert second open end, the couplerinsert tubular internal surface defining a second valve guide coupled toa second valve seat having a second valve port, the second valve portaligned with the first valve port upon insertion of the coupler insertinside of the tubular chamber; coupling a second valve element to thesecond valve guide, the second valve element having a second valve bodycoupled to a second valve tip, the second valve element movable in thesecond valve guide to sealably engage the second valve seat in a closedposition with the second valve tip extending through the second valveport; disposing a second valve actuator adjacent the second valveelement to facilitate movement of the second valve element toward theclosed position; coupling a second tubular plug to the second valveguide adjacent the second valve actuator; and coupling a second tubularmember to the second tubular plug, the second tubular member having asecond tubular member external surface configured to join a secondconduit; wherein the first valve tip engages the second valve tip uponinsertion of the coupler insert inside of the tubular chamber, wherebythe first valve element disengages the first valve seat and the secondvalve element disengages the second valve seat to open a flow paththrough the coupler.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a method of using a coupler, the method including obtaining acoupler configured as described above, inserting the coupler insertinside of the tubular chamber, engaging the first valve tip with thesecond valve tip, and disengaging the first valve element from the firstvalve seat and disengaging the second valve element from the secondvalve seat to open a flow path through the coupler.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a method of using a coupler, the method further includingmoving the coupler body and the coupler insert in outward opposed axialdirections, disengaging the first valve tip and the second valve tip,and engaging the first valve element with the first valve seat andengaging the second valve element with the second valve seat to closethe flow path through the coupler.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentof the inventive coupler.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentof the inventive coupler.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the inventivecoupler.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a particular embodiment of the inventivecoupler.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a particular embodiment of the inventivecoupler.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of the inventivecoupler.

FIG. 6 is a first side view of a particular embodiment of the inventivecoupler.

FIG. 7 is a second side view of a particular embodiment of the inventivecoupler.

FIG. 8 is a first end view of a particular embodiment of the inventivecoupler.

FIG. 9 is a second end view of a particular embodiment of the inventivecoupler.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view 10A-10A of the particular embodimentof the inventive coupler shown in FIG. 4, wherein a first valve elementand a second valve element are positioned in an open position.

FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the particular embodiment of theinventive coupler shown in FIG. 10A, wherein the first valve element andthe second valve element are positioned in a closed position.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a couplerbody.

FIG. 11B is a top view of a particular embodiment of a coupler body.

FIG. 11C is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a coupler body.

FIG. 11D is a first side view of a particular embodiment of a couplerbody.

FIG. 11E is a second side view of a particular embodiment of a couplerbody.

FIG. 11F is a first end view of a particular embodiment of a couplerbody.

FIG. 11G is a second end view of a particular embodiment of a couplerbody.

FIG. 11H is a cross-sectional view 11H-11H of the particular embodimentof the coupler body shown in FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a couplerinsert.

FIG. 12B is a view of a particular embodiment of a coupler insert.

FIG. 12C is a first end view of a particular embodiment of a couplerinsert.

FIG. 12D is a second end view of a particular embodiment of a couplerinsert.

FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional view 12E-12E of the particular embodimentof the coupler insert shown in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13A is an enlarged top view of the particular embodiment of thecoupler insert shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 13B is an enlarged bottom view of the particular embodiment of thecoupler insert shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 13C is an enlarged bottom view of the particular embodiment of thecoupler insert shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a valveelement.

FIG. 14B is a view of a particular embodiment of a valve element.

FIG. 14C is a first end view of a particular embodiment of a valveelement.

FIG. 14D is a second end view of a particular embodiment of a valveelement.

FIG. 14E is a cross-sectional view 14E-14E of the particular embodimentof the valve element shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 14F is a cross-sectional view 14F-14F of the particular embodimentof the valve element shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 14G is a cross-sectional view 14G-14G of the particular embodimentof the valve element shown in FIG. 14B.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a tubularmember coupled to a tubular plug.

FIG. 15B is a view of a particular embodiment of a tubular membercoupled to a tubular plug.

FIG. 15C is a first end view of a particular embodiment of a tubularmember coupled to a tubular plug.

FIG. 15D is a second end view of a particular embodiment of a tubularmember coupled to a tubular plug.

FIG. 15E is a cross-sectional view 15E-15E of the particular embodimentof the tubular member coupled to the tubular plug shown in FIG. 15B.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1A, which illustrates a method of usinga particular embodiment of an inventive coupler (1) including a couplerbody (2) having a first valve element (3) movable in a first valve guide(4) to sealably engage a first valve seat (5) in a closed position (6)with a first valve tip (7) extending outward of a first valve port (8)and a coupler insert (9) having a second valve element (10) movable in asecond valve guide (11) to sealably engage a second valve seat (12) in aclosed position (6) with a second valve tip (13) extending outward of asecond valve port (14). By inserting the coupler insert (9) into atubular chamber (15) of the coupler body (2), the first and second valveelements (3)(10) can be substantially coaxially aligned disposing thefirst valve tip (7) adjacent the second valve tip (13). Further inwardopposed axial movement of the coupler insert (9) within the tubularchamber (15) of the coupler body (2) generates corresponding inwardopposed axial movement of the first and second valve tips (7)(13),disposing the first valve port (8) in substantially coaxial adjacentrelation with the second valve port (14), concurrently disengaging thefirst valve element (3) from the first valve seat (5) and disengagingthe second valve element (10) from the second valve seat (12), therebydisposing the first and second valve elements (3)(10) in an openposition (16) initiating fluid flow (17) through the flow path (18) ofthe inventive coupler (1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1B, by moving the coupler body (2) andthe coupler insert (9) in outward opposed axial directions, the couplerinsert (9) can be removed from within the tubular chamber (15) of thecoupler body (2). Concurrently, the first valve tip (7) can disengagethe second valve tip (13) sealably engaging the first and second valveelements (3)(10) with the corresponding first and second valve seats(5)(12), positioning the first and second valve elements (3)(10) in theclosed position (6), thereby interrupting the fluid flow (17) throughthe flow path (18) of the inventive coupler (1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 12H, the inventivecoupler (1) can include a coupler body (2) having a coupler body tubularinternal surface (19) which communicates between a coupler body firstopen end (20) and a coupler body second open end (21) (as shown in theexamples of FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 11H), whereby the coupler bodytubular internal surface (19) can define the flow path (18) through thecoupler body (2). The coupler body tubular internal surface (19)proximate the coupler body first open end (20) can define a first valveguide (4) coupled to a first valve seat (5) having a first valve port(8), which communicates with a tubular chamber (15) disposed proximatethe coupler body second open end (21).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 14A through FIG.14G, the inventive coupler (1) can further include a first valve element(3) having a first valve body (22) coupled to a first valve tip (7). Thefirst valve element (3) can be movable in the first valve guide (4) tosealably engage the first valve seat (5) in a closed position (6),whereby the first valve tip (7) extends through the first valve port (8)a distance into the tubular chamber (15). The first valve element (3)sealably engaged with the first valve seat (5) interrupts the flow path(18) of the coupler body (2) between the coupler body first open end(20) and the coupler body second open end (21).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 14A throughFIG. 14G, the first valve element (3) can be moved toward the closedposition (6) by a first valve actuator (23) disposed adjacent the firstvalve element (3). The first valve actuator (23) can have any of anumerous and wide variety of configurations capable of moving the firstvalve element (3) toward the closed position (6). As an illustrativeexample, the first valve actuator (23) can be configured as a firstspringing element (24), which can be disposed adjacent the first valveelement (3) opposite the first valve tip (7). Accordingly, the firstspringing element (24) in an extended condition (25) can bias the firstvalve element (3) toward the tubular chamber (15) to sealably engage thefirst valve seat (5), thereby positioning the first valve element (3) inthe closed position (6) (as shown in the example of FIG. 10B). Forcibleurging upon the first valve tip (7) can move the first valve element (3)toward the coupler body first open end (20) disposing the firstspringing element (24) in a compressed condition (26) which disengagesthe first valve element (3) from the first valve seat (5), therebypositioning the first valve element (3) toward an open position (16) (asshown in the example of FIG. 10A) to open the flow path (18) through thecoupler body (2). As to particular embodiments, the first valve element(3) can further include a first actuator receiving recess (27), whichcan be disposed opposite the first valve tip (7).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 15A through FIG.15E, a first tubular plug (28) can be coupled to the first valve guide(4) adjacent the first valve actuator (23). As to particularembodiments, the first tubular plug (28) can be fixedly coupled to thefirst valve guide (4) abuttingly engaging the first springing element(24). The first tubular plug (28) can engage the first springing element(24) to position the first valve element (3) in the closed position (6).As to particular embodiments, the first tubular plug (28) can furtherinclude a second actuator receiving recess (29), which can be disposedopposite the first actuator receiving recess (27). The first springingelement (24) can be received within the first and second actuatorreceiving recesses (27)(29) to position the first springing element (24)between the first valve element (3) and the first tubular plug (28).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 15A throughFIG. 15E, a first tubular member (30) can be coupled to the firsttubular plug (28). A first tubular member internal surface (31) and afirst tubular plug internal surface (32) can define a first pass-through(33) between a first tubular member first end (34) and a first tubularplug second end (35), the first pass-through (33) communicating with thefirst valve port (8) when the first tubular plug (28) couples within thefirst valve guide (4).

A portion of the first tubular member (30) can outwardly extend from thecoupler body first open end (20) when the first tubular plug (28)couples within the first valve guide (4). The first tubular member (30)can have a first tubular member external surface (36) configured to joina first conduit (37). As to particular embodiments, the first tubularmember external surface (36) can include one or more first annularmembers (38) extending outwardly from the first tubular member externalsurface (36), the first annular member (38) forming a first protuberance(39) configured to engage a first conduit internal surface (40) of afirst conduit (37) telescopingly engaged about the first tubular memberexternal surface (36). Engagement of the first annular member (38) withthe first conduit internal surface (40) can limit travel of the firstconduit (37) toward the first tubular member first end (34), therebymaintaining the engagement of the first conduit (37) about the firsttubular member (30). As such, a first conduit passage (41) defined bythe first conduit internal surface (40) can communicate with the firstpass-through (33) as part of the flow path (18) between the firstconduit passage (41) and the first valve port (8).

As to particular embodiments, the first tubular member (30) can inwardlytaper toward the first tubular member first end (34) to facilitatecoupling of the first conduit (37) about the first tubular member (30)via the first tubular member first end (34).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 12A through FIG.12E, the inventive coupler (1) can further include a coupler insert (9)having a coupler insert external surface (42) configured to insertinside of the tubular chamber (15) and a coupler insert tubular internalsurface (43) which can communicate as part of the flow path (18) betweena coupler insert first open end (44) and a coupler insert second openend (45).

The coupler insert tubular internal surface (19) proximate the couplerinsert first open end (44) can define a second valve guide (11) coupledto a second valve seat (12) having a second valve port (14), which canalign with the first valve port (8) in substantially coaxial adjacentrelation upon insertion of the coupler insert (9) inside of the tubularchamber (15). As such, the first valve port (8) can communicate with thesecond valve port (14) as part of the flow path (18) between the firstconduit passage (41) of the first conduit (37) telescopingly engagedabout the first tubular member external surface (36) and the couplerinsert second open end (45).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 14A through FIG.14G, the inventive coupler (1) can further include a second valveelement (10) having a second valve body (46) coupled to a second valvetip (13). The second valve element (10) can be movable in the secondvalve guide (11) to sealably engage the second valve seat (12) in aclosed position (6), whereby the second valve tip (13) extends throughthe second valve port (14). The second valve element (10) sealablyengaged with the second valve seat (12) interrupts the flow path (18) ofthe coupler body (2) between the coupler insert first open end (44) andthe coupler insert second open end (45).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 14A throughFIG. 14G, the second valve element (10) can be moved toward the closedposition (6) by a second valve actuator (47) disposed adjacent thesecond valve element (10). The second valve actuator (47) can have anyof a numerous and wide variety of configurations capable of moving thesecond valve element (10) toward a closed position (6). As anillustrative example, the second valve actuator (47) can be configuredas a second springing element (48), which can be disposed adjacent thesecond valve element (10) opposite the second valve tip (13).Accordingly, the second springing element (48) in an extended condition(25) can bias the second valve element (10) toward the coupler insertfirst open end (44) to sealably engage the second valve seat (12),thereby positioning the second valve element (10) in the closed position(6) (as shown in the example of FIG. 10B). Forcible urging upon thesecond valve tip (13) can move the second valve element (10) toward thecoupler insert second open end (45) disposing the second springingelement (48) in a compressed condition (26) which disengages the secondvalve element (10) from the second valve seat (12), thereby positioningthe second valve element (10) toward an open position (16) (as shown inthe example of FIG. 10A) to open the flow path (18) through the couplerinsert (9). As to particular embodiments, the second valve element (10)can further include a first actuator receiving recess (27), which can bedisposed opposite the second valve tip (13).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 15A through FIG.15E, a second tubular plug (49) can be coupled to the second valve guide(11) adjacent the second valve actuator (47). As to particularembodiments, the second tubular plug (49) can be fixedly coupled to thesecond valve guide (11) abuttingly engaging the second springing element(48). The second tubular plug (49) can engage the second springingelement (48) to position the second valve element (10) in the closedposition (6). As to particular embodiments, the second tubular plug (49)can further include a second actuator receiving recess (29), which canbe disposed opposite the first actuator receiving recess (27). Thesecond springing element (48) can be received within the first andsecond actuator receiving recesses (27)(29) to position the secondspringing element (48) between the second valve element (10) and thesecond tubular plug (49).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 15A throughFIG. 15E, a second tubular member (50) can be coupled to the secondtubular plug (49). A second tubular member internal surface (51) and asecond tubular plug internal surface (52) can define a secondpass-through (53) between a second tubular member second end (54) and asecond tubular plug first end (55), the second pass-through (53)communicating with the second valve port (14) when the second tubularplug (49) couples within the second valve guide (11).

A portion of the second tubular member (50) can outwardly extend fromthe coupler insert second open end (45) and the coupler body second openend (21) when the second tubular plug (49) couples within the secondvalve guide (11). The second tubular member (50) can have a secondtubular member external surface (56) configured to join a second conduit(57). As to particular embodiments, the second tubular member externalsurface (56) can include one or more second annular members (58)extending outwardly from the second tubular member external surface(56), the second annular member (58) forming a second protuberance (59)configured to engage a second conduit internal surface (60) of a secondconduit (57) telescopingly engaged about the second tubular memberexternal surface (56). Engagement of the second annular member (58) withthe second conduit internal surface (60) can limit travel of the secondconduit (57) toward the second tubular member second end (54), therebymaintaining the engagement of the second conduit (57) about the secondtubular member (50). As such, a second conduit passage (61) defined bythe second conduit internal surface (60) can communicate with the secondpass-through (53) as part of the flow path (18) between the secondconduit passage (61) and the second valve port (14).

As to particular embodiments, the second tubular member (50) caninwardly taper toward the second tubular member second end (54) tofacilitate coupling of the second conduit (57) about the second tubularmember (50) via the second tubular member second end (54).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 14A through FIG. 14G, the first valvebody (22) can further include at least one axial undulation (62) along afirst valve body external surface (63). When the first valve element (3)couples within the first valve guide (4), a crest portion (64) of theaxial undulation (62) can be disposed adjacent to the coupler bodytubular internal surface (19) and a trough portion (65) of the axialundulation (62) can be disposed distal from the coupler body tubularinternal surface (19), forming an axial channel (66) between the firstvalve body external surface (63) and the coupler body tubular internalsurface (19). The axial channel (66) can form part of the flow path (18)between the first tubular member first end (34) and the first valve port(8). As to particular embodiments, the first valve body (22) can includea plurality of axial undulations (62) in spaced apart relation, whichcan provide a plurality of axial channels (66) between the first valvebody external surface (63) and the coupler body tubular internal surface(19) (as shown in the example of FIG. 14E).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 14A through FIG. 14G, the second valvebody (46) can further include at least one axial undulation (62) along asecond valve body external surface (67). When the second valve element(10) couples within the second valve guide (11), a crest portion (64) ofthe axial undulation (62) can be disposed adjacent to the coupler inserttubular internal surface (43) and a trough portion (65) of the axialundulation (62) can be disposed distal from the coupler insert tubularinternal surface (43), forming an axial channel (66) between the secondvalve body external surface (67) and the coupler insert tubular internalsurface (43). The axial channel (66) can form part of the flow path (18)between the second tubular member second end (54) and the second valveport (14). As to particular embodiments, the second valve body (46) caninclude a plurality of axial undulations (62) in spaced apart relation,which can provide a plurality of axial channels (66) between the secondvalve body external surface (67) and the coupler insert tubular internalsurface (43) (as shown in the example of FIG. 14F).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 11H, the couplerbody (2) can further include a detent (68) disposed proximate thecoupler body tubular internal surface (19). The detent (68) can beconfigured for releasable fixed axial positioning of the coupler insert(9) inside of the tubular chamber (15). As to particular embodiments,the detent (68) can be configured as an annular groove (69) disposed inthe coupler body tubular internal surface (19) of the tubular chamber(15) proximate the coupler body second open end (21).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3, FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 12Athrough FIG. 13C, the coupler insert (9) can further include at leastone radially extending member (70) coupled in circumferentially spacedapart relation about the coupler insert external surface (42). Theradially extending member (70) disposed about the coupler insertexternal surface (42) can be configured to matingly engage with theannular groove (69) to fix an axial position of the coupler insert (9)inside of the tubular chamber (15). As such, a coupler insert (9) can beretained within the tubular chamber (15), thereby engaging the first andsecond valve tips (7)(13) to position the first and second valveelements (3)(10) in the open position (16) initiating fluid flow (17)through the flow path (18) of the inventive coupler (1). As toparticular embodiments, a plurality of radially extending members (70)can be coupled in circumferentially spaced apart relation about thecoupler insert external surface (42).

As to particular embodiments, the inventive coupler (1) can furtherinclude a plurality of coupler inserts (9) interchangeably insertableinto the tubular chamber (15) of the coupler body (2). The one or moreradially extending members (70) can be dissimilarly configured betweeneach one of the plurality of coupler inserts (9) to allow selectableretentive arrest of the one or more radially extending members (70)within the annular groove (69). As an illustrative example, the one ormore radially extending members (70) can vary in radially extendingmember height (71) between the plurality of coupler inserts (9)interchangeably insertable into the tubular chamber (15), whereby theselectable retentive arrest can increase with corresponding increase inthe radially extending member height (71) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 13A through FIG. 13C). Accordingly, a coupler insert (9) having oneor more radially extending members (70) with a greater radiallyextending member height (71) can be retentively retained within thetubular chamber (15) of the coupler body (2) more so than a couplerinsert (9) having one or more radially extending members (70) with alesser radially extending member height (71). As such, the couplerinsert (9) having the one or more radially extending members (70) withthe greater radially extending member height (71) can require greaterseparation forces to disengage from the tubular chamber (15) in relationto the coupler insert (9) having the one or more radially extendingmembers (70) with the lesser radially extending member height (71).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3, FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG. 12A, FIG.12B, and FIG. 12E, the inventive coupler (1) can further have a couplerinsert seal (72) including an annular recess (73) disposed in thecoupler insert external surface (42) proximate the coupler insert firstopen end (44) and an annular sealing member (74) disposed in the annularrecess (73). The annular sealing member (74) can be configured tosealably engage the coupler body tubular internal surface (19) of thetubular chamber (15). When sealably engaged with the coupler bodytubular internal surface (19), the annular sealing member (74) canfunction to further fix the axial position of the coupler insert (9)inside of the tubular chamber (15).

Now referring primarily to a FIG. 2 through FIG. 7, and FIG. 11A throughFIG. 11E, the coupler body (2) can further include a gripping surface(75) coupled to a coupler body external surface (76). The grippingsurface (75) can include a pair of recess elements (77) disposed inopposed relation in the coupler body external surface (76) proximate thecoupler body first open end (20). As to particular embodiments, aplurality raised elements (78) can be disposed in spaced apart relationon each one of the pair of recess elements (77).

A method of producing a particular embodiment of the inventive coupler(1) can include providing a coupler body (2) including a coupler bodytubular internal surface (19) which communicates between a coupler bodyfirst open end (20) and a coupler body second open end (21), whereby thecoupler body tubular internal surface (19) proximate the coupler bodyfirst open end (20) defines a first valve guide (4) coupled to a firstvalve seat (5) having a first valve port (8), the first valve port (8)communicating with a tubular chamber (15) disposed proximate the couplerbody second open end (21).

The method can further include coupling a first valve element (3) to thefirst valve guide (4), the first valve element (3) having a first valvebody (22) coupled to a first valve tip (7). The first valve element (3)can be movable in the first valve guide (4) to sealably engage the firstvalve seat (5) in a closed position (6) with the first valve tip (7)extending through the first valve port (8) a distance into the tubularchamber (15). The method can further include disposing a first valveactuator (23) adjacent the first valve element (3) to facilitatemovement of the first valve element (3) toward the closed position (6).

The method can further include coupling a first tubular plug (28) to thefirst valve guide (4) adjacent the first valve actuator and coupling afirst tubular member (30) to the first tubular plug (28), the firsttubular member (30) having a first tubular member external surface (36)configured to join a first conduit (37).

The method can further include providing a coupler insert (9) includinga coupler insert external surface (42) configured to insert inside ofthe tubular chamber (15) and a coupler insert tubular internal surface(43) which communicates between a coupler insert first open end (44) anda coupler insert second open end (45), the coupler insert tubularinternal surface (19) defining a second valve guide (11) coupled to asecond valve seat (12) having a second valve port (14), the second valveport (14) aligned with the first valve port (8) upon insertion of thecoupler insert (9) inside of the tubular chamber (15).

The method can further include coupling a second valve element (10) tothe second valve guide (11), the second valve element (10) having asecond valve body (46) coupled to a second valve tip (13). The secondvalve element (10) can be movable in the second valve guide (11) tosealably engage the second valve seat (12) in a closed position (6) withthe second valve tip (13) extending through the second valve port (14).The method can further include disposing a second valve actuator (47)adjacent the second valve element (10) to facilitate movement of thesecond valve element (10) toward the closed position (6).

The method can further include coupling a second tubular plug (49) tothe second valve guide (11) adjacent the second valve actuator (47) andcoupling a second tubular member (50) to the second tubular plug (49),the second tubular member (50) having a second tubular member externalsurface (56) configured to join a second conduit (57).

The first valve tip (7) can engage the second valve tip (13) uponinsertion of the coupler insert (9) inside of the tubular chamber (15),whereby the first valve element (3) disengages the first valve seat (5)and the second valve element (10) disengages the second valve seat (12)to open a flow path (18) through the inventive coupler (1).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include configuringat least one axial undulation (62) along a first valve body externalsurface (63) of the first valve body (22).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include configuringat least one axial undulation (62) along a second valve body externalsurface (67) of the second valve body (46).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include disposing adetent (68) proximate the coupler body tubular internal surface (19) ofthe coupler body (2), the detent (68) configured for releasable fixedaxial positioning of the coupler insert (9) inside of the tubularchamber (15).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include configuringthe detent (68) as an annular groove (69) and disposing the annulargroove (69) in the coupler body tubular internal surface (19) of thetubular chamber (15) proximate the coupler body second open end (21).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include coupling atleast one radially extending member (70) about the coupler insertexternal surface (42) of the coupler insert (9), the radially extendingmember (70) configured to matingly engage with the annular groove (69)to fix an axial position of the coupler insert (9) inside of the tubularchamber (15).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing aplurality of coupler inserts (9) interchangeably insertable into thetubular chamber (15) of the coupler body (2), the at least one radiallyextending member (70) dissimilarly configured between each one of theplurality of coupler inserts (9) to allow selectable retentive arrest ofthe at least one radially extending member (70) within the annulargroove (69). As to particular embodiments, the at least one radiallyextending member (70) can vary in radially extending member height (71)between the plurality of coupler inserts (9) interchangeably insertableinto the tubular chamber (15), the selectable retentive arrestincreasing with corresponding increase in the radially extending memberheight (71).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include providing acoupler insert seal (72) including an annular recess (73) disposed inthe coupler insert external surface (42) proximate the coupler insertfirst open end (20) and an annular sealing member (74) disposed in theannular recess (73), the annular sealing member (74) configured tosealably engage the coupler body tubular internal surface (19) of thetubular chamber (15).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include coupling agripping surface (75) to a coupler body external surface (76) of thecoupler body (2), the gripping surface (75) including a pair of recesselements (77) disposed in opposed relation in the coupler body externalsurface (76) proximate the coupler body first open end (20) and aplurality raised elements (78) disposed in spaced apart relation on eachone of the pair of recess elements (77).

As to particular embodiments, elements of the inventive coupler (1) canbe entirely formed of the same material, or alternatively, variouselements of the inventive coupler (1) can be formed from differentmaterials. The inventive coupler (1) or elements of the inventivecoupler (1) can be produced from any of a wide variety of materials,including substantially inflexible materials, resiliently flexiblematerials, resiliently deformable materials, or the like, orcombinations thereof. By way of non-limiting example, the material caninclude or consist of: rubber, rubber-like material, plastic,plastic-like material, acrylic, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene,polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride-based materials, silicone-basedmaterials, or the like, or combinations thereof. Additional non-limitingexamples can include polymeric materials or resins, for examplethermoplastics, such as acrylic, nylon, polybenzimidazole, polyethylene,polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene,or the like, or combinations thereof; thermosets, such as polyesterfiberglass, polyurethanes, rubber, polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride,urea-formaldehyde foam, melamine resin, epoxy resin, polyimides, cynateesters, polycyanurates, polyester resin, or the like, or combinationsthereof; elastomers, such as natural polyisoprene, syntheticpolyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloropene rubber, butyl rubber,styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber,epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber,fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, polyetherblock amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate,thermal plastic elastomer (TPE), or the like, or combinations thereof.

As to particular embodiments, the inventive coupler (1) or elements ofthe inventive coupler (1) can be produced from any of a wide variety ofprocesses depending upon the application, such as press molding,injection molding, fabrication, machining, printing, three-dimensionalprinting, or the like, or combinations thereof, as one piece orassembled from a plurality of pieces into an embodiment of the inventivecoupler (1) or provided as a plurality of pieces for assembly into anembodiment of the inventive coupler (1).

A method of using a particular embodiment of the inventive coupler (1)can include obtaining an inventive coupler (1) having elements asdescribed above, inserting the coupler insert (9) inside of the tubularchamber (15), engaging the first valve tip (7) with the second valve tip(13), and disengaging the first valve element (3) from the first valveseat (5) and disengaging the second valve element (10) from the secondvalve seat (12) to open a flow path (18) through the inventive coupler(1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1A and FIG. 10A, as to particularembodiments having a first conduit (37) telescopingly engaged about thefirst tubular member external surface (36) and a second conduit (57)telescopingly engaged about the second tubular member external surface(56), fluid can flow through the inventive coupler (1) by ingressingfrom the first conduit passage (41) of the first conduit (37) to thefirst pass-through (33), flowing through the first valve guide (4)coupled to the first valve seat (5), the first valve port (8), thesecond valve port (14), the second valve guide (11) coupled to thesecond valve seat (5), and the second pass-through (53), egressing fromthe second tubular member second end (54) to the second conduit passage(61) of the second conduit (57). As to other particular embodiments,fluid can flow through the inventive coupler (1) by ingressing from thesecond conduit passage (61) of the second conduit (57) to the secondpass-through (53), flowing through the second valve guide (11) coupledto the second valve seat (12), the second valve port (14), the firstvalve port (8), the first valve guide (4) coupled to the first valveseat (5), and the first pass-through (33), egressing from the firsttubular member first end (34) to the first conduit passage (41) of thefirst conduit (37). As such, the inventive coupler (1) can fluidiclycouple the first and second conduit passages (41)(61).

The method can further include moving the coupler body (2) and thecoupler insert (9) in outward opposed axial directions, disengaging thefirst valve tip (7) and the second valve tip (13), and engaging thefirst valve element (3) with the first valve seat (5) and engaging thesecond valve element (10) with the second valve seat (12) to close theflow path (18) through the inventive coupler (1). As such, the fluidflow (17) through the inventive coupler (1) can be interrupted by thefirst and second valve elements (3)(10). Correspondingly, the fluid flow(17) between the first and second conduits (37)(57) can be interruptedwithout a substantial loss of fluid from the first and second conduitpassages (41)(61).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a releasablevalved coupler and methods for making and using such releasable valvedcouplers including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “coupler” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “coupling”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “coupling”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “coupler” and even a “means forcoupling.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood toincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the releasable valved couplers herein disclosed and described, ii)the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent,and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv)those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functionsshown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methodswhich accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit toaccomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature,component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii)the applications enhanced by the various systems or componentsdisclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems orcomponents, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as describedhereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x)the various combinations and permutations of each of the previouselements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1. A coupler, comprising: a coupler body including: a coupler bodytubular internal surface which communicates between a coupler body firstopen end and a coupler body second open end, said coupler body tubularinternal surface proximate said coupler body first open end defines afirst valve guide coupled to a first valve seat having a first valveport, said first valve port communicating with a tubular chamberdisposed proximate said coupler body second open end; a first valveelement having a first valve body coupled to a first valve tip, saidfirst valve element movable in said first valve guide to sealably engagesaid first valve seat in a closed position with said first valve tipextending through said first valve port a distance into said tubularchamber; a first valve actuator disposed adjacent said first valveelement to facilitate movement of said first valve element toward saidclosed position; and a first tubular member coupled to a first tubularplug, said first tubular plug coupled to said first valve guide adjacentsaid first valve actuator, said first tubular member having a firsttubular member external surface configured to join a first conduit; anda coupler insert including: a coupler insert external surface configuredto insert inside of said tubular chamber; a coupler insert tubularinternal surface which communicates between a coupler insert first openend and a coupler insert second open end, said coupler insert tubularinternal surface defining a second valve guide coupled to a second valveseat having a second valve port, said second valve port aligned withsaid first valve port upon insertion of said coupler insert inside ofsaid tubular chamber; a second valve element having a second valve bodycoupled to a second valve tip, said second valve element movable in saidsecond valve guide to sealably engage said second valve seat in a closedposition with said second valve tip extending through said second valveport; a second valve actuator disposed adjacent said second valveelement to facilitate movement of said second valve element toward saidclosed position; and a second tubular member coupled to a second tubularplug, said second tubular plug coupled to said second valve guideadjacent said second valve actuator, said second tubular member having asecond tubular member external surface configured to join a secondconduit; wherein said first valve tip engages said second valve tip uponinsertion of said coupler insert inside of said tubular chamber, wherebysaid first valve element disengages said first valve seat and saidsecond valve element disengages said second valve seat to open a flowpath through said coupler.
 2. The coupler of claim 1, wherein said firstvalve body further comprises at least one axial undulation along a firstvalve body external surface.
 3. The coupler of claim 2, wherein saidsecond valve body further comprises at least one axial undulation alonga second valve body external surface.
 4. The coupler of claim 3, whereinsaid coupler body further comprises a detent disposed proximate saidcoupler body tubular internal surface, said detent configured forreleasable fixed axial positioning of said coupler insert inside of saidtubular chamber.
 5. The coupler of claim 4, wherein said detentcomprises an annular groove disposed in said coupler body tubularinternal surface of said tubular chamber proximate said coupler bodysecond open end.
 6. The coupler of claim 5, wherein said coupler insertfurther comprises at least one radially extending member coupled aboutsaid coupler insert external surface, said radially extending memberconfigured to matingly engage with said annular groove to fix an axialposition of said coupler insert inside of said tubular chamber.
 7. Thecoupler of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of coupler insertsinterchangeably insertable into said tubular chamber of said couplerbody, said plurality of pegs dissimilarly configured between each one ofsaid plurality of coupler inserts to allow selectable retentive arrestof said plurality of pegs within said annular groove.
 8. The coupler ofclaim 7, wherein said plurality of pegs vary in peg height between saidplurality of coupler inserts interchangeably insertable into saidtubular chamber, said selectable retentive arrest increasing withcorresponding increase in said peg height.
 9. The coupler of claim 8,further comprising a coupler insert seal including: an annular recessdisposed in said coupler insert external surface proximate said couplerinsert first open end; and an annular sealing member disposed in saidannular recess, said annular sealing member configured to sealablyengage said coupler body tubular internal surface of said tubularchamber.
 10. The coupler of claim 9, wherein said coupler body furthercomprises a gripping surface coupled to a coupler body external surface,said gripping surface including: a pair of recess elements disposed inopposed relation in said coupler body external surface proximate saidcoupler body first open end; and a plurality raised elements disposed inspaced apart relation on each one of said pair of recess elements.
 11. Amethod of producing a coupler, the method comprising: providing acoupler body including a coupler body tubular internal surface whichcommunicates between a coupler body first open end and a coupler bodysecond open end, said coupler body tubular internal surface proximatesaid coupler body first open end defines a first valve guide coupled toa first valve seat having a first valve port, said first valve portcommunicating with a tubular chamber disposed proximate said couplerbody second open end; coupling a first valve element to said first valveguide, said first valve element having a first valve body coupled to afirst valve tip, said first valve element movable in said first valveguide to sealably engage said first valve seat in a closed position withsaid first valve tip extending through said first valve port a distanceinto said tubular chamber; disposing a first valve actuator adjacentsaid first valve element to facilitate movement of said first valveelement toward said closed position; coupling a first tubular plug tosaid first valve guide adjacent said first valve actuator; coupling afirst tubular member to said first tubular plug, said first tubularmember having a first tubular member external surface configured to joina first conduit; providing a coupler insert including a coupler insertexternal surface configured to insert inside of said tubular chamber anda coupler insert tubular internal surface which communicates between acoupler insert first open end and a coupler insert second open end, saidcoupler insert tubular internal surface defining a second valve guidecoupled to a second valve seat having a second valve port, said secondvalve port aligned with said first valve port upon insertion of saidcoupler insert inside of said tubular chamber; coupling a second valveelement to said second valve guide, said second valve element having asecond valve body coupled to a second valve tip, said second valveelement movable in said second valve guide to sealably engage saidsecond valve seat in a closed position with said second valve tipextending through said second valve port; disposing a second valveactuator adjacent said second valve element to facilitate movement ofsaid second valve element toward said closed position; coupling a secondtubular plug to said second valve guide adjacent said second valveactuator; and coupling a second tubular member to said second tubularplug, said second tubular member having a second tubular member externalsurface configured to join a second conduit; wherein said first valvetip engages said second valve tip upon insertion of said coupler insertinside of said tubular chamber, whereby said first valve elementdisengages said first valve seat and said second valve elementdisengages said second valve seat to open a flow path through saidcoupler.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising configuring atleast one axial undulation along a first valve body external surface ofsaid first valve body.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprisingconfiguring at least one axial undulation along a second valve bodyexternal surface of said second valve body.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising disposing a detent proximate said coupler bodytubular internal surface of said coupler body, said detent configuredfor releasable fixed axial positioning of said coupler insert inside ofsaid tubular chamber.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprisingconfiguring said detent as an annular groove and disposing said annulargroove in said coupler body tubular internal surface of said tubularchamber proximate said coupler body second open end.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising coupling at least one radially extendingmember about said coupler insert external surface of said couplerinsert, said radially extending member configured to matingly engagewith said annular groove to fix an axial position of said coupler insertinside of said tubular chamber.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising providing a plurality of coupler inserts interchangeablyinsertable into said tubular chamber of said coupler body, said at leastone radially extending member dissimilarly configured between each oneof said plurality of coupler inserts to allow selectable retentivearrest of said at least one radially extending member within saidannular groove.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said at least oneradially extending member varies in radially extending member heightbetween said plurality of coupler inserts interchangeably insertableinto said tubular chamber, said selectable retentive arrest increasingwith corresponding increase in said radially extending member height.19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing a couplerinsert seal including: an annular recess disposed in said coupler insertexternal surface proximate said coupler insert first open end; and anannular sealing member disposed in said annular recess, said annularsealing member configured to sealably engage said coupler body tubularinternal surface of said tubular chamber.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising coupling a gripping surface to a coupler bodyexternal surface of said coupler body, said gripping surface including:a pair of recess elements disposed in opposed relation in said couplerbody external surface proximate said coupler body first open end; and aplurality raised elements disposed in spaced apart relation on each oneof said pair of recess elements.
 21. A method of using a coupler, themethod comprising: obtaining said coupler including: a coupler bodycomprising: a coupler body tubular internal surface which communicatesbetween a coupler body first open end and a coupler body second openend, said coupler body tubular internal surface proximate said couplerbody first open end defines a first valve guide coupled to a first valveseat having a first valve port, said first valve port communicating witha tubular chamber disposed proximate said coupler body second open end;a first valve element having a first valve body coupled to a first valvetip, said first valve element movable in said first valve guide tosealably engage said first valve seat in a closed position with saidfirst valve tip extending through said first valve port a distance intosaid tubular chamber; a first valve actuator disposed adjacent saidfirst valve element to facilitate movement of said first valve elementtoward said closed position; and a first tubular member coupled to afirst tubular plug, said first tubular plug coupled to said first valveguide adjacent said first valve actuator, said first tubular memberhaving a first tubular member external surface configured to join afirst conduit; and a coupler insert including: a coupler insert externalsurface configured to insert inside of said tubular chamber; a couplerinsert tubular internal surface which communicates between a couplerinsert first open end and a coupler insert second open end, said couplerinsert tubular internal surface defining a second valve guide coupled toa second valve seat having a second valve port, said second valve portaligned with said first valve port upon insertion of said coupler insertinside of said tubular chamber; a second valve element having a secondvalve body coupled to a second valve tip, said second valve elementmovable in said second valve guide to sealably engage said second valveseat in a closed position with said second valve tip extending throughsaid second valve port; a second valve actuator disposed adjacent saidsecond valve element to facilitate movement of said second valve elementtoward said closed position; and a second tubular member coupled to asecond tubular plug, said second tubular plug coupled to said secondvalve guide adjacent said second valve actuator, said second tubularmember having a second tubular member external surface configured tojoin a second conduit; and inserting said coupler insert inside of saidtubular chamber; engaging said first valve tip with said second valvetip; and disengaging said first valve element from said first valve seatand disengaging said second valve element from said second valve seat toopen a flow path through said coupler.
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising: moving said coupler body and said coupler insert inoutward opposed axial directions; disengaging said first valve tip andsaid second valve tip; and engaging said first valve element with saidfirst valve seat and engaging said second valve element with said secondvalve seat to close said flow path through said coupler.